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Mattel Expands Barbie Web Site

Mattel Inc. is expanding its http://www.barbie.com Web site to include attractions for young girls and their parents. The Web site previously focused on adult collectors. The site is "designed to engage girls in fun and creative play" by offering them a variety of interactive activities, according to a company spokesman. Girls will be able to download new phrases for the Talk With Me! Barbie doll--the first time, Mattel says, that a toy can be programmed from the Internet. The site will also offer an online chat room for girls, who can vote for their favorite Barbie fashions. The site was developed by Beverly Hills-based Digital Planet.